Migrant workers last year sent home more than $301bn (£148bn, €212bn) to their families in developing countries – an amount nearly a third higher than previous published estimates – according to new research published on Wednesday.

The study by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Inter-American Development Bank compares with recent World Bank figures for 2006 of $207bn, although the bank said the total would be higher if money sent through informal channels were included.